The Olsen Twins, fresh-faced idols of tweener girls, insist that they be
known as Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen. As if these look-alike sisters have
unique identities apart from one another. Their petulant stab at
individuality comes on the occasion of the flimsy family comedy "New York
Minute," their first theatrical film after many multimillion-earning TV
movies and straight-to-DVD projects. Boosted by a supporting cast with
respected comic actors Eugene Levy, Andy Richter, Darrell Hammond and Andrea
Martin, it moves at a breezy pace and displays no genuine hilarity or
inspiration. The Olsens, ex-sitcom toddlers, are now budding teenagers with
big saucer eyes and pert noses. Although "New York Minute" shows them
getting screen kisses from boys and running around town clad only in bath
towels, they're still reminiscent of cute little troll dolls. They play
antagonistic siblings day-tripping from Long Island to the city.
Overachiever Jane (Ashley) is giving a speech in a scholarship competition;
slacker Roxy (Mary-Kate) is skipping school and going to a rock video shoot
to promote her band. But a crazed truant officer (Levy) is after Roxy, and
an incompetent gangster (Richter) is after a computer chip in Jane's
handbag. Sounds like screwball fun, except for a tired script and sisters
with the acting and comedic skills of a typical mall rat.